City leaders ‘would like to have a prison in Mitchell'

Yahoo

2 days ago

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Project Prison Reset's task force is recommending existing Department of Corrections facilities or the Worthing or Mitchell areas for new men's prison construction.
Mitchell city leaders want the group to consider Davison County.
City leaders from Mitchell said they've already gathered support when it comes to listing Davison County as a possible location.
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'The chamber and development corporations both passed resolutions separately to bring a prison to Mitchell. The county commission has supported a prison in Mitchell,' Mitchell Chamber and Development CEO Mike Lauritsen said.
The Mitchell City Council approved a resolution on Monday that expresses interest in having the facilities built in Davison County, citing the need to meet criminal justice system demands.
Lauritsen hopes the city's efforts to inform the public about possible economic opportunities will set them apart from other potential sites.
'This would be huge for our community. That's why we've done all of this work. We want it to go to Mitchell,' Lauritsen said. 'I know there's been struggles in other communities, and I think that's the reason we've made these steps.'
The proposed site is a couple miles south of town. Mitchell leaders said the location would have minimal impact on the community but would be close enough to offer rehabilitation resources to inmates.
'If you want to do rehab programs, we've got some of the best programs in the state right there,' Mitchell Area Housing President Terry Sabers told the task force Tuesday. 'Dakota Wesleyan University is there. If you want more advanced programs, they are another three miles away.'
They also asked the task force to consider Mitchell's secondary water system.
'Having that secured, our vision plan ten years ago was to have enough water for 130 years plus growth. So, we are really well situated there,' Davison County Commissioner John Claggett said.
There were no final decisions made at yesterday's task force meeting, but it did serve as another opportunity for input and consideration.
'We'd like to have a prison in Mitchell,' Lauritsen said.
At Mitchell's city council meeting Monday night, some residents expressed concerns about community safety and increased crime if prison facilities are built there.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Mitchell Development Corporation announced it will hold three community forums to discuss the proposed site.
The organization said in a news release a Mitchell Prison Task Force, made up of city and county officials, community leaders and representatives from the Governor's office will hold the following forums:
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025: In-person forum at Mitchell Technical College Auditorium, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025: Virtual forum at 7:00 p.m. (Access links will be available on the City and Development Corporation websites)
Tuesday, June 24, 2025: Community Debate at Dakota Wesleyan University, 5:30 p.m.
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